It has always been considered that the game of bowls is for persons of more mature years, but if you watch the International Indoor Bowls tournaments on TV, you will realise this is not the case.

Whilst we do not have any bowlers of international standard, we do have a thriving youth section. On Saturday mornings, a group of up to a dozen youngsters under the age of 21 come along to enjoy a couple of hours bowling under the guidance of our qualified coaches. As a result, some of our youngsters have gone on to represent the Somerset County in various ways.

During the summer, Gracie Stammers represented the county outdoors in the National Amy Rose competition at Leamington. Indoors, three of our youngsters – Sam Dart-Denning, Cameron Bowen and Jack Vine, who plays outdoors for Norwest Bowls Club – took part in county Under-25 trials, and Sam and Cameron have been selected to play for the county Under-25 team.

With our first-class two-rink facility, and with our dedicated team of coaches, we are able to offer the chance for youngsters of all ages to enjoy this friendly, yet competitive, sport.

For further information, contact Mel Bowen on: 01761 232625; Don Dart on: 01761 471019 or by visiting our website: www.purnellbowls.co.uk

John Hansford